Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist
  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Open fire season for Hakataramea Valley and Waihaorunga

Open fire season for Hakataramea Valley and Waihaorunga

Hakataramea Valley and Waihaorunga in Mid-South Canterbury will move to an open fire season from 1am Saturday 11 May, until further notice.

The inland high-country areas of Mackenzie Basin, Rangitata Gorge, Upper Rakaia Gorge and Ashburton lakes remain in a restricted fire season. This means no open-air fires can be legally lit unless a fire permit has been applied for and approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The coastal and foothills area of Mid-South Canterbury are already in an open fire season.

Announcing the fire season changes, Senior Advisor Risk Reduction Don Geddes says recent rainfall has reduced the fire risk and, with further rain forecast, there is little likelihood of the risk escalating again now we are well into autumn.

"People should continue to be make sure they have the necessary permission to light out-door fires and ensure any fires are kept well controlled and safe," he says.

"The Mid-South Canterbury District is south of the Rakaia River to the Waitaki River. If you’re ever unsure if it’s okay to light, checkitsalright.nz."

Geraldine Forest Zone, the Waimate Forest Zone and all Public Conservation Lands remain in a restricted fire season 365 days of the year.